She was eager for the fray.
When she had a disagreeable thing to do, she always wanted to do it quickly.
Dorothy was saved the trouble of seeking her father, for at that moment he entered the room.
"You are welcome, father," said Dorothy in cold, defiant tones.

"You have come just in time to see the last flickering flame of your fine marriage contract." She led him to the fireplace.

"Does it not make a beautiful smoke and blaze ?" "Did you dare--" "Ay, that I did," replied Dorothy.
"You dared ?" again asked her father, unable to believe the evidence of his eyes.
"Ay, so I said; that I did," again said Dorothy.
"By the death of Christ--" began Sir George.
"Now be careful, father, about your oaths," the girl interrupted.

"You must not forget the last batch you made and broke." Dorothy's words and manner maddened Sir George.

The expression of her whole person, from her feet to her hair, breathed defiance.